EVERYONE WELCOME!!

GAH!

RISE for Youth is bringing Sheldon Kennedy to London!!!

September 12th

7pm

Lamplighter Inn

Tickets are $10!!!

Things I'm Excited About

1. The new season of "The Hills"

The whole lot of women on this show irritate and drive me crazy, but I'm addicted to the melodrama of their lives. It's ridic. I heart this show. I love watching them mispronounce "Les Deux" (Les Doo, haha). Sigh. I hate everything about this show...fashion, materiality, Vogue, Spiedi, clubbing, Hummers, socialites, himbos...But the drama is SO GOOD.

2. Hilary Duff Concert

Monday, September 10th
John Labatt Centre
Section 3, Row 9 (on the floor)
Screaming 14 year olds
And me

3. Ikea

I'm going Saturday. I may go a bit crazy.

Car Dirty?

Hey All,

My friend Mojdeh and her cutie son, Darius are on their way to Ghana at the end of this month! Mojo's going to be teaching in a school and Darius will be attending!

In preparation she's having a fundraising car wash tomorrow at the Loblaws at Wonderland and Southdale between 10am and 3pm.

Minimum donations are $5.

I'll be there towards the end of the day, so take your dirty car to Mojo!

Your money is better spent with her than at a money grubbing gas bar.

I'm Craving Some Of That Raspberry Cordial

So, I was prepared for a nice cozy evening with my littlest sister only to be turfed out of the family room and exiled to my room. Currently, Annie is downstairs with her friends making lots of noise.

I can't wait until I have my place. (Speaking of which I spoke with my super Super, Igor, yesterday....things are moving quite nicely!).

I guess this is the thanks I get for letting her use my car.

If I can't hang out with that Anne, I was left to the other Anne.

This is a hilarious melding of two great things. Kelly Clarkson and Lucy Maud Montgomery.

In the 6th grade I made a marionette of Lucy Maud Montgomery and re-enacted the scene where Diana gets shit-faced on current wine.

Screw this, I'm going out tomorrow.

Good News Mom!

Well, there appears to be a scientific research done to support the notion that older women who drink 3 or more cups of coffee a day actually increase their memory.

I'd like to introduce those French researchers to my mother.

The women who discredits all of their research, single handedly.

Sigh.

I went to the Simpsons Movie website and loaded in a picture of me.

This is what was spit out.

I know certain people don't see the cultural necessity of The Simpsons....but I think it's pretty good.

Truro: Nova Scotia's London

Well, here we go.

It seems as though the mayor of Truro, Nova Scotia refused to vote in favour of raising the rainbow flag.

He 'rationalized' that if the council were in favour to raise the GLTB flag, then what was stopping pedophiles from asking to raise a flag.

Yep. He compared homosexuals with sexual deviants.

Here is an open letter to Mayor Bill Mills:

Dear Your Worship,

Hi. You don't know me, I'm from a town called London, Ontario in the Southwestern part of the province.

I recently saw your ruling over at CBC about your refusal to raise the rainbow flag in Truro.

I know I'm not a resident of Truro, but here in London we went through the same predicament with the gay community.

Our mayor, Diane Haskett felt the same way as you. She refused to vote for the flag to fly because of the same reason...religious beliefs and a fear of pedophiles.

And let me tell you...Mayor Haskett did pretty well for herself after that whole debacle. She went on to win another term in office and became know far and wide.

Now, yes the City of London became the first Canadian municipality to be brought before a human rights tribunal AND found guilty, but she did go on to a career in provincial politics...only to come in third behind the Green Party.

And it only cost the City a whopping $25,000 to fix her self-righteous and bigoted decree. That homeless shelter didn't need to be built immediately.

But I will have to ask you one thing. You said that if you granted permission to the gay community to fly their flag, you might be asked by the pedophilia community to do the same.

Ok, two things.

First, hasn't the insinuation of the GLTB community being sexual deviants been done? No one really takes it seriously anymore. How many more peer reviewed journals do you need before you get the facts? It's kind of annoying. And, frankly outdated. Get with the times. It's been done, over and over and over again. No one with an ounce of brain power really believes this anymore. And those who do are usually the same ones who believe every damn thing that Leviticus says (including the piece on wearing corrective lenses).

Second, are you some kind of bizarre freak who would actually consider declaring "Pedophile Day" in Truro? What kind of sick fuck are you? Anyone with a backbone or an ounce of common sense wouldn't do this. For Cripes sake. You're disgusting.

So, if I'm right London will be losing it's title of the only municipality who has been brought before a human rights tribunal and found guilty. But trust me, that's a title we're willing to give up.

Sincerely,

JR

Has Any One Heard This Song???

I was sitting in my car and listening to CBC Radio and they were talking about controversial songs.

The usual songs were there, Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' and Pearl Jam's 'Jeremy'...but then they started talking about a song called:

The Pill by Loretta Lynn.

Why haven't I heard this song before?? It kicks.

I found a copy on YouTube, but it's set to clips of women on 'General Hospital' in states of pregnancy, labour, pregnant troubles, etc.

But the song is amazing.



Here are the lyrics:

You wined me and dined me
When I was your girl
Promised if I'd be your wife
You'd show me the world
But all I've seen of this old world
Is a bed and a doctor bill
I'm tearin' down your brooder house
'Cause now I've got the pill
All these years I've stayed at home
While you had all your fun
And every year thats gone by
Another babys come
There's a gonna be some changes made
Right here on nursery hill
You've set this chicken your last time
'Cause now I've got the pill
This old maternity dress I've got
Is goin' in the garbage
The clothes I'm wearin' from now on
Won't take up so much yardage
Miniskirts, hot pants and a few little fancy frills
Yeah I'm makin' up for all those years
Since I've got the pill
I'm tired of all your crowin'
How you and your hens play
While holdin' a couple in my arms
Another's on the way
This chicken's done tore up her nest
And I'm ready to make a deal
And ya can't afford to turn it down
'Cause you know I've got the pill
This incubator is overused
Because you've kept it filled
The feelin' good comes easy now
Since I've got the pill
It's gettin' dark it's roostin' time
Tonight's too good to be real
Oh but daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill
Oh daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill


Loretta Lynn The Pill lyrics

P.S. Didn't Loretta have about 36 kids before she was 21?

An Experiment

Maggie at Rock the Park.

If I don't post in 24 hours, please send a seach party for me.

George Thoroughgood

The parents went to the event of the summer (for those who can stand classic rock) a couple of weeks ago, Rock The Park.

My camera was hijacked and taken to the park.

You'd think with my dad's skills he'd be able to take a better picture of George Thoroughgood.

But maybe it had more to do with the drunk youth who was humping him and Maggie from behind.

Fluffy

Don't you just want to jump on that?

<--

Dream Job

Balloon Holder.

This guy was being dragged so far by this ballon you could see sparks from the dead grass on his heals.

Dad's A Published Photog!

Recognize this photo? If you read the Sunday edition of the London Free Press, you should!

This photo was in the London Free Press, with an article about the woman's (a Freeps reporters) ride up in the balloon.

I'm not mentioning her name, because she neglected to give my dad props in the paper.

Saturday morning Dad dragged Annie, Papa and myself to Harris Park at 5:30AM to watch the balloons take off.

Once Annie had harrassed the Tim Horton's Staff...

Counter Help (to me): Would you like anything in your coffee?

Annie: I WOULD LIKE TIMBITS.

Jessie: Hehe. Milk, please.

Counter Help (to me): Would you like a straw for your juice?

Annie: I WANT CHOCOLATE, HONEY DIP AND SOUR CREAM GLAZED.

Jessie: Umm...no, we're good. Keep the change.

We were off to the park.

We stood around for a while and the first 2 balloons to be filled were a Canadian flag and maple leaf, and as always Dad was armed with his camera.

I'm guessing this woman picked the person with the flashiest camera, but she asked Dad to take a few snaps. I'm not sure if what she defined as a "few" meshed with Dad's interpretation. In any case, he sent her about 150 photos.

And, come Sunday morning, here's the result!

So, now he can officially call himself freelance, even though he didn't get paid or any credit.

Oh, well. He's enjoying cold margaritas in Monterrey, California, so I find it difficult to sympathize.

Where The Hell Have I Been?

Hello Again.

I've been away, and I can't really tell you why.

Well, I could, but that would mean you would know what my cycle is and I've been told by my sister that nobody needs to know that.

I disagree. I don't think my cycle should be a dirty secret.

I have been up to a few things, and I'll be able to share them momentarily...

In the mean time, enjoy the Darwin fish. I think of it everytime I see a Jesus fish.

I don't hate the Jesus fish, I just think that intelligent design is anything but.

For Andrea and Pascal...

In honour of Andrea and Pascal and The Simpsons moving coming out today...

What's the forecast for Brazil?

The temperature in Rio is....HOT HOT HOT with a 100% chance of PASSION.

"Pretty" People Falling Down

Ok, so I love model shows. America's Next Top Model, Canada's Next Top Model...very, very funny.

I think the reason I love these shows is the curing of hubris that assaults the "beautiful" girls...their self-doubt and shaky self esteem that they discover for the first time ever, on camera.

I know it's cruel, but it's reassuring since they always look so fucking sure of themselves. It's good to bring them down a few pegs.

As well, I think it's a bit retarded that we reward people for being genetic freaks. The one major reason I keep watching ANTM is because their models have yet to actual become top models...just a bunch of cute girls who get to watch their dreams disappear.

Ohhh, and "8th and Ocean". If you ever see that on TV, you must catch it. It's a show about a bunch of manic, low self esteem, young, stupid models living in an apartment complex together in Miami that constantly whine, "But in Idaho I was the prettiest girl in school!". Hahaha.

It's every average looking person's revenge. Nothing destroys their self esteem more than meeting another pretty person.

So enjoy this clip from Fashion Television. It's a little hard to take when you hear Jeanne Beker talk about how "...it's not so easy being a model."

Bullshit. It really is JUST walking.

Do you have to use your brain during modeling? No matter how much I love Tyra, she's not going to convince me it takes a lot of grey matter to "negotiate" the catwalk. If wisdom equals better modelling then 35 year old models would be the norm.

Anyway, to be honest I'm tired of the unfriendly model. I don't want you grinning like an idiot, just crack a smile now and then. That's the best part of the fall, when they actually morph from moving coat rack to actual human being.

Miss Me?

I know you did!

I've been away for a few days in Toronto, but I'm back now!

Hope you're ready for my updates!

Eek! The City of London Is All Gay-ified!

Well, if you haven't heard by now that the City of London has decided to make an official proclaimation for Gay Pride Week along with flying the rainbow flag at City Hall then I guess the homophobes haven't gotten to you yet.

After an over decade long ban on all proclaimations the City of London decided to do what it wouldn't in 1995, declare Pride in London.

For those you who don't remember, Diane "Parachute" Haskett refused to declare Gay Pride many moons ago because of personal religious beliefs. She (along with the City of London) were brought before a Human Rights Tribunal and found guilty. Since then the response of City Hall is to not declare ANYTHING. That's nice, isn't it?

Anyway, they decided that this year would be the year that they final start acknowledging that London does indeed have an active gay community. It's hard to ignore this community when the hatred towards them is as pronounced as it is in the city.

Well, as soon as they decided they were going to declare Pride the homophobes and homo-prejudice started coming out of the wood work.

And with them they brought along their tired-ass excuses.

Seriously, if I hear ONE MORE TIME the excuse of "Well, I'm just waiting for the day they declare Heterosexual Week" heads are going to roll.

Ok, here it is...I want everyone to listen.

EVERY WEEK IS HETEROSEXUAL WEEK.

The day that straight couples get beat with baseball bats and lead pipes in front of Jim Bob Ray's Bar while being called "breeders" is the day I'll ask for a Heterosexual Week.

I don't think it's too much to ask to give the gay community a week in which they can celebrate being themselves. Especially when the other 51 weeks out of the year it's fairly dangerous to do so, especially in London.

And I'm really sick and tired of people complaining about the blatant sexuality that is present during Pride, most notably during the Pride Parade.

Again, let's get our thinking caps on, shall we?

If you were told for pretty much your entire life that you were not allowed to hold hands with your partner, kiss, cuddle, throw an arm around or generally be affectionate in public would you maybe over compensate during the one week when it's not so taboo?

And really people, I think we're all just stick in the muds when it comes to sexuality. Calm yourselves, it's only glitter and spandex.

I see more disgusting displays at Masonville Mall in front of SilverCity. And those are the little 12 and 13 year olds...maybe we should be talking about our over sexualizing little girls? Nooooo, having underwire in a training bra is perfectly normal!

I will love, Love, LOVE the day when this city starts getting riled up about things that actually matter rather than spew homo-prejudice bullshit.

A New Classic Fairy Tale

My dad sent this to me, he thought I would appreciate it.

Maybe this one will turn into a bed time classic?

I'm serious. It really should.

This is the fairy tale that should have been read to you when you were little:

Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issue on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said:

"Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so. "

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself:

I don't fuckin think so.

The Most Hi Tech Tool You'll Ever Need.

Guess this got MacGyver out of some sticky situations.

Faith Hill is HUGE!

Faith Hill is going to be on the cover of Redbook...and the cover shot was taken from a photo shot done for a Jezabel Fashions (I don't even know what that is).

The kicker?

They totally photoshopped Faith.

Good thing, she's such fattie.

Big, Huge, AMAZING NEWS!

Mark your calendars.

November 19th, 2007 A.D.

This is the day that Jessie gets to hang out with one of her heroes...Naomi Klein.

Yes, you read that right. Naomi Klein.

Alan Leschied will be playing host to Naomi Klein when she comes to UWO for a book thing for her latest work, "The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism".

By now, I may have lost some readers...so let's back up.

Who exactly is Naomi Klein?

In short, she's a brillant woman. She's a journalist, writer, film maker, and intellectual.

And I get to have dinner with her.

She wrote a book called "No Logo: Taking Aim At Brand Bullies" in 2000. It was published shortly after the WTO summit in Seattle and was met with great excitement from those in the activist community. You say "No Logo" in a crowd and people instantly know what you're talking about. This is a book that changed MY life.

I was but a budding activist when the book dropped into my lap. At the time I wasn't exactly sure what was going to happen come fall of 2001, when I started my first year of university. Naomi Klein's book opened my eyes about some stuff I had never really thought about. If you haven't read this book, or even heard about it, you must go out RIGHT now and find out about it. If you don't get yourself a copy at least visit the website: www.nologo.org. I might even credit her book (partially) to the reason I majored in globalization (being the anti variety, not the pro).

It's a thought provoking piece on the branding that drives capitalism.

Sweet bliss.

Besides Naomi Klein's own accomplishments (and there are a lot) she's surrounded by amazing people.

She's married to Avi Lewis, who hosted "counterSpin" on CBC for a while, after a stint as the political analyst at MuchMusic (love him). And her mother-in-law is Michele Landsberg, an amazing feminist journalist (Toronto Star, Globe and Mail). And her father-in-law is STEPHEN LEWIS.

Maybe she can adopt me.

So, I get to hang out with her, have dinner with her and pelt her with my questions.

I'm so frigging excited.

Another Fantastic Cancelled TV Show

Here's another of my favourite shows.

Why is it that all my favourite shows are the cancelled ones?

"Arrested Development" was another show that was too smart for its time. And incredibly funny. You can find a whole bunch of its three seasons on YouTube.com - it's hilarious.

For those of you who don't know about this show it follows the story of an extremely hilarious family. There's no other word for them.

You can catch reruns on CBC at 5:00pm (I believe).

And even my Mom would like it. Even though one of the characters is an aspiring (yet horrible) magician.

I think I'm drawn to cancelled TV shows because I have a fear of commitment.

And here's a tribute to Season 2...because it's just damn funny.

And I need funny after today.

I was in Sarnia today, at the Bayside Mall. When did that place turn into such a hole? I remember going there as a young girl. Granted, it wasn't much then but it was at least a decent place to hang out. I wouldn't let my grandma hang out there now. It's filled with social services (way to marginalize all the poor in Sarnia Ministry of Social Services!) and crappy stores filled with useless shit that belongs in a landfill...but I guess the Bayside Mall is close enough.

Exciting!

Come back soon because I just may have some of the most exciting news ever.

Seriously.

It's gonna blow your MINDS.

Do You Have One?

Alright, so I've begun the process of gathering everything I ned for the big move.

And I'm in need of a couple of items...

If you have one of them and want to give it to me...that would be fabulous...

1. Pots and Pans (not old grubby ones)

2. Vacuum Cleaner (one that really sucks)

3. Kitchen Chairs

4. Futon Mattress

Soooo...if you have these items, I'd be happy to take them off your hands. For free, please.

Boycotting Chapters/Indigo/SmithBooks/Coles...Geez, How Many Book Stores Does One Company Own?

Alright, so you all know I love a good protest, even a literary one.

A few years ago I boycotted Chapters after they continually placed feminist magazines like Bitch, Ms. and Girlfriends in the "Mens" section of their magazine area. This happened after I spent a good 20 minutes searching for my favourite magazine and found it beside the Sport Illustated "Swim Suit Edition".


Yes, feminist response to pop culture and the most maturbated to magazine really do belong side by side. If only for the pure irony of it all. Argh.


So began my boycott of Chapters. I wrote letters, informed staff that this was disgusting as well as offensive and took my business elsewhere.


A few months later I was informed that the feminist magazines had moved and found themselves in the "Womens" section. Right next to Cosmo and Glamour. Small steps, people, small steps.


Well, it seems that there is another reason to start boycotting Chapters and all the boook stores owned by its conglomerate....


A few weeks ago the first boycott happened at the Chapters on Wellington Rd. in London, and a couple of weeks later they brought the protest to the Chapters in Masonville.


If anything this whole movement is interesting, especially now that Rabble.ca has joined the boycott.


The gist of the protest is that the major shareholders of this coporation have created a not for profit organization that helps Israeli soldiers get educated...and seeing as how Israel's occupation is a teensy bit brutal folks don't like spending money when the profit go to mowing down houses and killing.


Check out the below article explaining why they're boycotting Chapters/Indigo/SmithBooks/Coles/Etc...


If you're into the Middle East situation it's interesting enough...and really the last thing that Isreal needs is another Western force donating money or power to further any hostilities. That being said, it's not a one sided argument in the least.


But I will say that we can get into a lot of trouble if we bring conflict from the Middle East to Canada (Londoners will remember the "The Wall" incident at UWO a few years ago).


My suggestion is that we start talking about what's going on without coming to blows over a situation that's physically so far away.


But I will say that protest is the matrix for change, and that living in such an apathetic area such as SW Ontario makes me want to ruin some people's lawns and smash their stupid lawn gnomes. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR PEOPLE TO START THINKING ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE WHEN IT COMES TO CONSUMPTION?


Sigh.


Maybe the Chapters protests won't work, but sitting around certainly won't help.



The book lounge joins boycott of Chapters/Indigo
Bound but not gagged


We at rabble have decided to join with Palestinian solidarity activists in their boycott of the Chapters/Indigo family of companies. As a result, we will no longer be publicizing events taking place at Chapters, Indigo, The World’s Biggest Bookstore, Coles, Smithbooks, and The Book Company.

The boycott aims to pressure Heather Reisman and Gerry Schwartz — the owners of the Chapters/Indigo group — to halt their financial backing of the HESEG Foundation for Lone Soldiers. Founded by Reisman and Schwartz in 2005, HESEG provides scholarships to former “lone soldiers” of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) who are pursuing post-secondary education. It has been commended by Israel’s former Minister of Defence, Shaul Mofaz, for “directly supporting the morale of the IDF.”

As their title suggests “lone soldiers” are non-Israeli individuals who volunteer to serve in the IDF. As IDF soldiers, they support an army that systematically oppresses Palestinian citizens by operating checkpoints, restricting Palestinian freedom of movement and enforcing the occupation of Palestinian land. The IDF has been found responsible by human-rights groups and Israeli courts for countless rights violations in the West Bank and Gaza including the unlawful killing, arbitrary detention, torture and assault of hundreds of Palestinians.

This boycott is being spearheaded by the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid, the Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine, Palestinian and Jewish Unity and the Jewish Alliance Against the Occupation. The boycott is part of the larger International Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign, which is endorsed by 170 Palestinian Civil Society Organizations. —rabble book lounge staff

Funny Friday

Hey All,

I'm feeling shitty tonight and the one thing that usually makes me feel better is SNL.

Especially when they make fun of Oprah.

Google Turns Into Blackle

Ok, so this whole 'save the environment' kick that the mainstream has gotten on board with seems a little fishy to me. And the influx of the rich and famous espousing the merits of green power leaves a horrible taste in my mouth. I guess it's the arrogance that accompanies many of the pleas for reducing our collective carbon footprint.

It's a bit difficult to take in Leo, Madge, and Al's suggestions when it seems that they are huge contributors to the problem, and in some cases profiting from environmentally destructive behaviour.

But I do like it when people practice what they preach and at Google, they've done just that.

A few weeks ago some journalist wrote an article about the amount of energy that is drained by a white computer screen compared to a black computer screen.

In response Google has created 'Blackle'. Blackle works the same as Google, except it only drains 58 watts of energy when on the screen.

So next time you need to do a search try out:

www.blackle.com

You Know It

A House For My Uncle and Aunt In Australia

So I apparently am rubbing it in when I show a floor plan of my 650 foot apartment in Wortley Village when it comes to my cursed family in Australia.

Catherine and Colin are house hunting in Oz, which is about as easy as trying to understand the Australian accent, I'm told.

Keeping that in mind I took it upon myself to find them a house in Jerrabomberra. I'm trying not to giggle when I say that, but I find it funny that the name of their neighbourhood rhymes.

Here it is!

It's got 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and something called a 'rumpus room'.

It also has a pool. Because air conditioning is not something that is standard in Australian homes. Which I think, for a lack of a better and more politically correct word, is retarded. When I eventually go and visit I want to be comfortable.

The only draw back is the double garage. As I understand this means more potential for "'Roo Poo" droppings around the vehicle.

This whole package can be theirs for a measley $685,000.

Now before my lovely Auntie gives me a lecture on the responsiblity of home buying and the ridiculous-ness of this property I will say...um...get over it and get it. I want to stay in a fancy house in Jerrabomberra (more giggling) when I finally get to the bottom of the world.

Besides, I'm sure Colin could rake in a few extra bucks...he fixes helicopters...How many people know how to fix helicopters? All I'm say is maybe he forgets to screw in the last screw. And maybe that last screw is worth something to someone...all I'm saying...

Welcome to the The Real O.S.

Well, today I'm in Owen Sound touring around Huron, Bruce and Grey counties for RISE for Youth...as of today I've been to:

- Women's Shelter, Goderich

- Women Today of Huron, Goderich

- Bluewater Youth Centre, Goderich

- OPP, Goderich

- Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kincardine

- Women's House, Kincardine

- Saugeen Native Drug and Alcohol Addiction Centre, Saugeen

Sigh.

Tomorrow I hit the women's shelter, CHOICES (addictions agency), Keystone (child and youth agency), Grey Bruce Sexual Assault Centre in Owen Sound and Ontario Works and Public Health Unit in Walkerton.

Then I will sleep long time.

So far, so good.

The most memorable stop? Bluewater Youth Centre...the jail for kids...seriously. I had to get clearence to get into the 'compound'. The security guard at the front had one arm and a claw arm. I kept wondering if one of the kids in the detention centre ripped it off trying to escape (jk). But, all in all very nice people.

Tomorrow is another day.

There Are Better Things To Get Worked Up Over...

...than these metal trees.

Seriously, if people in this city made as big a stink over the ridiculous rate of kids in the sex trade in London in this city as they do about those metal trees that were put downtown I would hear those two special words everyone in social services melt at: 'core funding'.

I think we all need to take a collective breath and realize a couple of things.

Firstly, tax dollars didn't pay for the trees. The Downtown Business Association did. So calm yourself.

Second, the downtown core can't really get any worse, don't you think? A bit of colour and (wait for it) art isn't going to hurt anyone.

Third, don't you people have better things to do than to write letters to the editor about some silly little metal trees? As a future resident of downtown area I don't really care. They're actually a nice addition to the garbage in the streets.

And finally, this is directed to the London Free Press. You people have published over TEN letters to the editor in your paper from people getting angry over metal trees. And yet, you can't publish my letter about a situation that is far more important and damaging to the downtown area...PIMPS.

Argh. You people will never listen.

My Floor Plan!

Ah, yes.

Here it is, all mine.

My BIG News! I Signed A Lease!

THIS IS MY BUILDING!

I signed the lease this afternoon for a 1 bedroom apartment in Wortley Village, 5 minutes from the Covent Garden Market!

Perfect!

Move in date is September 1st (a Saturday, Labour Day Weekend!)...so if you can help move me in...that would be great....beer and pizza at the end!

Ah...calm.

AH! Anxiety!

Oh, boy.

Exciting News...Tomorrow.

Ok everyone, tomorrow at this time I hope to be able to share some very exciting news with you all...I'm getting super excited about it and trying not to (because I am my father's daughter and therefore follow the rule 'if it's too good to be true, it probably is, and if so keep your expectations incredibly low, just in case. And don't make a big deal out of anything. Ever.') be overly excited until it's set in stone.

So come back tomorrow and hopefully I'll have some very good news to share.

Here We Go...

Ok, everyone keep your fingers crossed.


The apartment hunting begins in earnest tonight.


Bear in mind I make very little and had to invest in an expensive car for the job...I don't want to live in a hole...but I'm prepared to the fate of a a bachelor if necessary.


If I move into a bachelor I will move to change the name...Bachelor is stupid.

My Most Favourite Show. Ever.

Ok, so one of my most favourite television shows is 'Dead Like Me'.

If you haven't caught it, it's for good reason.

It was on Showtime for only two awkward seasons. They are running the reruns on Bravo, so catch it if you can.

'Dead Like Me' is a dark comedy...just the way I like them. Because I'm uncomfortable with drama.

DLM follows the story of grim reapers, our protagonist being George, an 18 year old who was killed by a toilet seat falling from a Russian space station.

I recently got the entire series on DVD and I'm loving it.

I couldn't decide what clip to share, so here's a trailer of the first season, I'll put more up if I think they're worthy.

P.S. The next television show that gets to stand along side DLM for being way before it's time is 'Firefly'. More on that later.

Enjoy!

Rated

Ok, so some of you who scroll down to the end of this page may have noticed an addition.

I have been rated.

Yes, there is a website where you can submit your blog and they will scan it and rate it.

Apparently, this blog is rated: R. For restricted.

The reason? Because I wrote vagina like, 10 times or something.

And gay, don't forget that.

So apparently, vagina and gay are bad, bad words.

That's such crap. Oops, crap was on their list...That's such fecal matter.

So, take a look at the rating, because in defiance I am taking it down in a bit.

Vagina is not dirty. Get over it. And last time I checked 'gay' wasn't a bad word.

I'm tempted to type in some really nasty stuff to justify my point, but my grandparents frequent this site, so I won't.

Happy Canada Day!

Hope everyone had a great Canada Day!

I went to the fireworks at Byron this year.

For those of you who don't know about geography of London, Byron is one of the more affluent neighbourhoods in town.

There are fireworks at Byron, downtown and in the East end (there might be some in the North end, but I really don't care). I usually end up at Harris Park downtown with friends to watch fireworks...sitting on the banks of the Thames where there's either an excess of water or it's dried up (dried up this year) with thousands of others getting ready to watch the explosions.

But this year I found myself one neighbourhood over in Byron. This was interesting. Firstly, I don't know what it is about the suburbanites...but when shit happens in our neighbourhoods we think we own the whole freaking place.

As I was driving my car down the road with my peeps (yes, I have peeps) we saw the excess of people driving, parking and walking to Byron Optimist Park for the event. Armed with Ice Caps and Timbits, we were ready.

I remember working at Timmy's in university and absolutely HATING working on July 1st.

Because inevitably at around 7:45pm the rush of families (most often in the drive thru) who would pick up their firework snacks. I have no problem with this. This is what Tim Hortons does. They take orders, fill them and sends people on their way with re-heated carbohydrates and "nicotine laced" caffeine.

My problem always laid in the pure and simple fact that people started acting like mentally delayed monkeys while ordering.

Here are my tips for ordering on July 1st at Tim Hortons:

1. Know your order.

Tim's doesn't change. Yes, they may start making flavoured Ice Caps, or a seasonal doughnut, but it's basically the same shit. Cruellers, fritters, dips, Timbits, coffee, hot chocolate, apple juice.

2. If you don't know your order...DON'T GO THROUGH DRIVE THRU

This should always be followed, not just on our nation's birthday. If you go into the store you can spend all the time you want staring like an idiot at the board. When you're outside at the speaker and you don't know what you want and are hemming and hawing you can bet the staff inside are going crazy. Don't be the ass who makes a bottleneck happen. You are hated.

3. Don't have your children order in the drive thru

It's difficult enough hearing you let alone a tiny little voice in the back seat. Besides that, it's annoying.

4. Use smaller bills and coins

With all the traffic on July 1st...if you're going to buy $4.27 worth of product don't pay with a freaking $20 bill. That's annoying.

5. If you're buying bulk product (Timbits, doughnuts, etc.) don't start requesting flavours unless you come into the store

When someone requests a 20 pack of Timbits in the drive thru you are basically giving the staff the ability to choose what flavour goes into the box. Taking your Timbit flavour order is damn near impossible. You may say you don't want one flavour (old fashion plain for instance)...but don't be annoying. And definitely do not say that you want all chocolate. Don't be an ass. They can't make pounds and pounds of extra chocolate. You're annoying as well.

6. Tip.

Self explanatory.

7. Ice Caps take time to make, go inside.

Ice Caps are time consuming to make, go inside if you are ordering more than 3, you'll take too much time.

If you follow those rules, you won't have your coffee spit in.

Cheers!

Sunday's Post Secret

www.postsecret.com

I AM THE LAW

Alright, so you remember Pearl?

The landlord with the drinking problem?

Well, Will Ferrell has made another short film with Pearl...this time she's the law...

Enjoy!

Doggy Style Love

Um, yeah. The title of this entry is pretty self explanatory.

She Had The Moves

Ok, so the final act was this woman.

Miss Heaven Lee Hights.

Yes, you read that right.

And she OWNED that stage.

And I'm not just saying that because she had a number that was a medley of Pussycat Doll songs.

Although when I saw her perform "I Don't Need A Man" I really did believe she didn't need one.

That, and she had a rocking ass.

A Bit More Experience

Ok, so Miss Nicolette Brown took to the stage after Honey.

She definitely had great banter with the audience and chose some older tunes, ending with the crowd pleasing "Last Dance" by gay icon Donna Summer.

And her outfit made her look like a mermaid.

Miss Toronto Pride 2007

Ok, so one thing that I do love is the drag shows.

No matter if they are kings or queens, they're always a good show.

On the surface it's fun to watch them lip sync to songs you love.

On the other hand it's a beautiful commentary on gender-bending. Virtually poking fun and taking over this idea of gender. What is feminine? What is masculine? If you're a man can you be feminine? If you're a woman can you be masculine? Shouldn't we feel like we can explore both sides, given that everything within ourselves relies of perfect harmony?

Miss Toronto Pride 2007 kicked it off with a performance that showed her relative newness to the medium of drag. Still, she killed a performance of Beyoncé's "Ring the Alarm". A song that I hate Beyoncé singing, but liked Miss Brown doing. Very nice!

It's A Bird, It's A Plane!

No-

It's SUPER PRIDE!

Pascal donned his peace Pride flag, bandanna and "This is What a Feminist Looks Like" T-Shirt.

In his off days he enjoys keeping Toronto subway stations safe, for all.

Promo At Toronto Pride 2007

As we were walking down Church St. we saw this advertisment for Botox Cosmetics.

That's right. At Pride.

Hey! Let's perpetuate the stereotype that all gay men are obessed with youthful looks, including washboard abs and wrinkle free faces. Ugh.

While we're at it let's also keep up the façade of lesbians who are more concerned with softball and sport bras.

Double ugh.

I'm really quite sick of the stereotypes tha we put the GLBTTQ2 community into constantly. It seems that we (collective society) are more comfortable with our gay men effeminate and weak and our gay women butch and straight forward. Anything in between and we don't know what to think. And let's not even get into what we expect people who are bisexual are "supposed" to be like.

Live and let live, people.

TORONTO PRIDE 2007!

WOOHOO!

This past weekend I went to Toronto Pride 2007 with Andrea and Pascal (two very good buddies!).

We had a blast!

We caught the last end of the Pride Parade...same stuff as last year, half naked people, rainbows galore, and beads, glorious beads!

We then hopped a barricade and walked the rest of the parade route and found ourselves at Church Street. We walked down Church Street and as we walked farther and farther...it got more and more crowded. Suffocatingly so. Shoulder to shoulder.

Now, for those of you who know me, I don't like being touched. So this was pretty bad.

Add in:

It was about 100 degrees

My strawberry smoothy was dripping on my fingers

The loop of Village People music coming from Sailor

The nakedness

I was uncomfortable.

But, we had a blast! And we caught some drag queen and king shows. An incredible energy the whole time, sandwiched in with great people and cold, cold drinks.

If you've never been to Pride (anywhere, really) you must, must, MUST go. Gay, straight or questioning Pride is one of the most wonderful environments ever!

London Pride is having its 25th Anniversary at the end of July! W00T!

This Is The Crap I'm Talking About...

Men on pimp rap as teen flees
By JONATHAN JENKINS -- Sun Media


TORONTO (Sun Media) - A teenage girl held against her will and forced to have sex with men at strip clubs and private parties sneaked away from her captors and flagged down a passing police officer for help.

"It was fortunate for her that she was able to find him, he was virtually right across the street," Toronto Police Det.-Const. Eduardo Dizon said.

The victim, 17, escaped on May 30 after three weeks of forced prostitution, Dizon said.
Three men have been arrested in the case in the past two weeks and all face a variety of prostitution-related offences, including living off the avails of an underage prostitute, forcible confinement and sexual exploitation.

Dizon said the young woman met the main culprit through a friend and he quickly lured her into turning tricks.

PAID FOR SEX

Any illusion she may have had of having a say in the matter quickly faded, Dizon said, and she was not allowed to keep any of the money she was paid for sex.

"She was physically restrained from leaving," he said. "At times when she tried to leave or questioned whether she could leave she was assaulted and choked."

At one point, the man who first lured her left town, leaving two other suspects to watch over her.

That's when she was able to slip away from the men holding her and find the passing police officer.

Christopher Lewis, 22, is to appear in College Park court today. Garnett Grant, 25, also known as G and G-Money, is to appear in Old City Hall court today.

Released on bail June 22, Donovan Lewars, 25, will be back in court July 19.

Introducing Gizmo

This is Gizmo.

Gizmo's gender is a bit of a mystery to me.

I think Gizmo is trans, which is awesome.

Gizmo weighs about 5 pounds, but is frequently trying to dominate Toby.

Mostly dominating by mounting Toby. A male.

I love 'em.

Introducing Toby

This is Toby.

He is Rachel's dog and I've been hanging out with him for the past couple of weeks.

Awesome dog.

Even if he's a little yappy.

But he's a good cuddler. And, as you can see, a bit of a licker.

An Open Letter To The London Free Press

Re: Billboards pimping beer dumb, not offensive

Being able to connect cause and effect is vital to solving our community’s problems. It seems as though Ian Gillespie’s column “Billboards pimping beer dumb, not offensive” missed this valuable opportunity to draw connections. For those of you who are unaware London does have pimps.

Those of us working with our eyes open are very aware of this fact. What is a pimp? The short definition is that a pimp is a coward, a liar who sexually exploits others. In London’s case many are sexually exploiting children and youth.

Most people constantly ask the question “How is it that child after child is being recruited into the sex trade and is being sexually abused in London?” Campaigns such as this beer ad and Mr. Gillespie’s response don’t help by using the word in a humourous and playful manner. The word pimp is not playful.

I think reclaiming words is an interesting way some social groups go about gaining some of their power back; however in this case the persecuted people are not the ones trying to re-instate the word pimp. And since we have pimps in London and rarely in our community do the adult sex trade workers have pimps, it can only be deduced that we are trying to glorify people who take part in the sexual abuse of our children youth. That is simply disgusting.

Just because we have television shows like “Pimp My Ride” (MTV) and contests like “Pimp My Garden” (Toronto Star) and “Pimp My Library Cart” (Wisconsin Library) doesn’t mean we’ve taken back a word.

You can’t identify a pimp by what they wear. Far from popular opinion pimps do not wear grillz, bling, fur coats, feathers in their hats, carry canes or challis’ filled with alcohol. Nor do they drive Cadillacs’ with hydraulics. They look like every other person on the street. They can be young or old, male or female, affluent or poor. In fact 30% of the sexual predators (pimps included) make more than $50,000 a year from a legitimate job. 10% make more than $80,000 a year. These folks are “upstanding” citizens.

Pimp is not a word we can reclaim until we recognize the fear and violence (sexual, physical, and emotional) they disseminate throughout the young people they hurt on a continual basis in London.

As well, I take offence to Gillespie’s implication that this issue shouldn’t be talked about. Using the word pimp in our vocabulary is disgusting, hateful and offensive. Talking about this is the only way to ensure London’s youth stay safe.

This attempt to stifle conversation about this topic is reminiscent of pimps threatening kids if they talk about what’s going on, they’ll kill them or the people they love.

I guess it’s reminiscent because I see and hear it on a daily basis.


Jessie Rodger

Did You Pride It Up?

Hey!!! Hope you all had a kick ass Pride!

Update anyone?

My pictures will have to wait, but a lot happened this past week or so...

- The 3rd Regional Social Forum has come and gone (a great time for all!)

- Andrea and Pascal returned to Canada from Brazil!

- I went to Toronto Pride with Andrea and Super Pride

Lots of fun.

Stay tuned.

:)

Warning, Some Might Be Offended...

But this was too darn funny not to put up.

I found this at PostSecret.com, a great website that posts secrets people mail in on postcards.

Some are poignant, some are touching, some are depressing and some are just damn funny.

There basically secrets people tell anonymously via postcards sent to a guy in Flordia (www.postsecret.com).

I like the funny ones. Because I'm not comfortable with unhappy feelings.

This one made me chuckle because sometimes I think it's true...however we'll have to tackle it's validity on another post.

Warning: If you believe the Bible is all true, skip this post. But for those who roll around on the floor when they read Leviticus, enjoy (seriously, that part of the book outlaws EVERYTHING...)

Pretty Good 4: Rise of the Shiny Surfer

Ok, so Dad and I went to see the latest comic book sequel, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

Despite some pretty bad acting, it was an Ok way of spending 2 hours.

It was kind of long.

And, as far as plots go, it was a bit far fetched. Even for a comic book movie.

And the end is annoying. Let's just say that it seems the producers of the film don't know the difference between China and Japan.

And Jessica Alba is such a bad actress ("Why are you trying to destroy our planet?").

Anyway, check out this spoof of the film, it's almost as enjoyable as the movie.

And you get to see Chris Evans' without his shirt on.

Representin' Sarnia

Mayor Mike Bradley made a dapper appearance on the red carpet.

You may remember Bradley's cameo in Moore's film "Bowling for Columbine".

He is eternally cool.

Who Invited Her?

What the hell was she doing on the red carpet?

SHIRLEY DOUGLAS TALKED TO ME!

Shirley Douglas was right in front of me...she couldn't have gotten any closer.

And she talked to me.

She asked me, "How are you doing, dear?"

Holy crap.

I love ALL the men she's related to.

MICHAEL MOORE WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO SPIT ON (but I didn't spit...)

Ok, so Michael Moore's new film, 'Sicko', is going to be release in two weeks.

But first comes the premiere...and Michael Moore chose no other place than London, Ontario for the North American film premiere!

Moore taped a significant chunk in London at the St. Joesph's Health Care Centre.

Tickets were given only by invitation...and I didn't get an invite, but in all fairness I've really had my fill of media attention...

My buddy Holly and I showed up at Silver City at 5:30pm and staked out our position.

Again, luckily I had my trusty Cyber Shot and got some great photos from the red carpet.

If you take a look at this photo, Moore is talking to CHRW.

CHRW Radio is having quite the week. Moore today and me last Monday.

Freaking Amazing.

Ok, so I'm ready to debrief on my amazing evening of seeing the one and only Jon Stewart.

It started by almost being ended. That is there was some crazy shit going on the 401 and 403.

People don't know how to drive anymore, I mean it. We were severely cut off by an American right by the Husky station when we left town.

Not cool...and we couldn't give them the one finger salute as Andrew saw the New York licence plate and immediately his mind went to "they have a concealed weapon".

Besides that Andrew and I enjoyed watching the almost carnage unfolding a few cars ahead of us...until we realized that we were hurtling towards the almost crash at 120 km/hr.

But we did arrive at the Fallsview Casino and Hotel...and let me say...very nice.

We parked the car and headed out to find the elevators...instead Andrew took us down a hallway that was very smelly and literally led out to the edge of the cliff. Wrong way, definitely.

Then we found the elevators and headed up to the hotel/casino...very nice.

Now I thought since Andrew had bragged about being a poker savant we would head into the casino...I had $20 worth of quarters weighing me down...but no. He doesn't find that "enjoyable". There should be a law that people who can count cards (because I know you can) should ALWAYS have to drop some coin in a casino. Whatever.

Andrew and I did get to have a great dinner at the Golden Lotus...very nice Chinese restaurant in the casino...where Andrew scared all the wait staff by trying to speak English using his scary hand gestures.

But we eventually convinced Jacob (although I'm almost positive that wasn't his given name...mainly because I don't think China has a huge Jewish population) to get us some Peking Duck...mmmmm....duck....

And it was full out. Very fancy...2 courses...crispy skin...duck hash...iceberg lettuce...picture to come.

Lots of delicious-ness.

Afterwards we walked around the building...and ended up at a toy store. Luckily Andrew restrained himself from buying anything for his child who already has one of everything.

Then we got in line. I'll give you a visual. Imagine a roped off line that could fit about 50 concert goers. Now imagine that line empty...except for Andrew and I eagerly awaiting 8pm when the doors opened. Seriously, we were the only ones waiting.

Then it was time for doors to open. One hour before we were in our seats...which didn't have arm rests...which made Andrew very uncomfortable. He likes barriers. Yeah, no shit.

Then the rest of the concert goers started to come in...the audience was varied.

We learned a few things from the audience. Firstly, it seems they were giving out tickets at the early bird dinner. Lots of grey hairs. Secondly, Andrew and I were severely over dressed. But I like to think we were taking it the most serious of anyone. And we really couldn't chance anything. I was glad I dressed up when Andrew told me that there was a rumour that Stephen Colbert was opening. He didn't, but still. Close call.

As people filed in to the sold out performance we did see Jon's estranged father, Donald Leibowitz in the crowd...you know when you're a superfan when you know who the distant parents are...kudos to Andrew.

And then we heard it...Teenage Wasteland by The Who.

And if you know anything about Jon, you know that this is the song he always walks onto stage to.

Flippin' amazing.

And then mildly disturbing. I knew Jon was a short man...I had no idea he was a tiny man, too.

Wow.

Anyway he did an amazing set...albeit stuff I have on my iPod already. But it didn't matter.

He was FANTASTIC.

It was AMAZING. SOOOO AMAZING.

I HEART JON.

Our Article!

Online survey 'shocking'

Mon, June 4, 2007

More than half of London pupils surveyed have posted information that puts them at risk.
By JENNIFER O'BRIEN, SUN MEDIA

A shocking number of London kids are making themselves easy targets for sexual predators who cruise the Internet, an informal survey has found.

The alarming figures suggest one in four children 11 to 14 have met face-to-face with strangers introduced only online.

Despite years of warnings about stranger-danger, more than half of them have put identifying information such as phone numbers and addresses on public-access websites, youth workers say.

"We were shocked," said Shannon Liddington, outreach worker with RISE for Youth, a project that aims to reduce sexual exploitation.

"The children we talk to are absolutely putting themselves at risk. The level of naivete they have is incredible.

"Every one of these kids knows that if someone drives up to you at a bus stop and asks for your name and school you don't give it to them."

During education seminars, the group has surveyed 600 Grade 6, 7 and 8 London pupils and found 60 per cent have put personal, identifying information on websites such as MySpace and Facebook.

Twenty per cent of the children also admitted posting pictures of themselves online .
But most disturbing is the fact 25 per cent have met people they only knew online.

"That really did blow us away," said project co-ordinator Jessie Rodger. "It is absolutely the most dangerous thing a kid can do."

Compounding that statement is the fact London police have charged seven people with Internet luring in less than two months since the department launched its Cyber Crime Unit in April.

"It's like shooting fish in a barrel to zero in on (predators) out there," said Det. Sgt. Kelly Johnson, head of the Cyber Crime Unit.

In the seven recent local cases, Johnson said officers posing as someone else nabbed predators who thought they would be meeting youths they had befriended online.

There are likely many cases that haven't been intercepted, Johnson said, adding the unit has heard about London girls being sexually assaulted by people they met online.

Like others, Johnson warned against giving out identifying information.

"It is alarming, the number of students that give out personal information," agreed Ray Hughes at UWO's Centre for Prevention Science. "It's like posting up a sign on the (Highway) 401 with all your personal information."

The local numbers are consistent with Canadian findings, according to RISE, but slightly higher than those recorded in the U.S., said Jeff Godlis of iSafe America.

That federal web education group has surveyed more than 100,000 American children and found 20 per cent -- one in five -- met strangers off line.

The findings show that even as kids become savvy about Internet use -- through social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook -- they aren't always being safe.

"Youths don't equate strangers on the Internet with those on the street," Rodger said.
As a result, kids who would balk at giving their names or schools to a stranger on the street are willingly offering details up to online contacts.

"When they start talking to people for months online, they don't feel that is a stranger," Liddington said.

"They are like, 'It's my friend. I know what their favourite food is, I know what movie they like . . .' "

"Now predators don't even have to leave their bedrooms to find out everything they want to know," Liddington said.

Rise for Youth is a 15-month project run by Western Area Youth Services, a London group home agency that offers counselling.

The aim is to educate kids and parents about sexual exploitation. The project focuses on the Internet because that's what has opened the playing field for predators, Rodger said.

"It used to be poverty and homelessness were the biggest risk factors for kids being sexually exploited," she said. "All that has changed because of only one thing -- the Internet."
Dangers are illustrated with horrifying cases such as that of Kacie Woodie, a 13-year-old Arkansas girl murdered in 2002 by a 47-year-old predator who had befriended her while posing as a teenager online.

Liddington and Rodger suggest parents need to know their kids' online activity.
But they've met parents who don't even know how to get on the Internet, she said.

MORE INFORMATION

- www.myspace.com/riseforyouth or call 519-432-2209, ext. 3203.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

- Talk to young kids about Internet activities and Internet safety.
- Learn how to use the Internet by signing up to networking sites.
- Keep computers in a common area, not in a bedroom or secluded basement.
- Remember kids also can get online outside your home.

TIPS FOR YOUNGSTERS

- Don't post identifying information such as telephone numbers, addresses, school information or last names online.
- Don't post pictures of yourself.
- If you're going to meet someone for the first time who you've only talked to online, tell an adult, take friends and meet in a public place.

TOMORROW!

Ok, yours truly is doing something very exciting tomorrow morning.

At 7:15am I will be interviewed on CBC Radio One...On "Ontario Morning".

So set your alarms folks...

HEADLINE NEWS! ABOVE THE FOLD!

Run, don't walk to the corner store and get a copy of the London Free Press.

Do it.

Now.

Why are you still reading?

GO!!!

www.lfpress.com

p.s. I'll blog about my evening with Jon, the night was so magical I need a few days to process.